It has been shown that the so-called ‘weekend warrior’ type, who only exercises once or twice on the weekend, can be just as effective in reducing cognitive decline, a common precursor to dementia, as people who exercise regularly during the week.
The global dementia population is expected to rapidly increase from 57 million in 2019 to approximately 153 million in 2050. The researchers said that cognitive impairment often leads to dementia, and that delaying the onset of dementia by five years could cut the overall dementia prevalence by half, so it is important to identify modifiable risk factors. Weekend binge-watching is much more accessible to busy modern people. It was suggested that this could be a realistic option to reduce the prevalence of dementia.
For the study, published today in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Professor Gary O’Donovan of the University of Los Andes in Colombia and colleagues conducted training in Mexico’s capital between 1998 and 2004, and again in 2015 and 2019. Data from two studies conducted between 2008 and 2008 were used.
In the first survey of 10,033 Mexico City residents over the age of 35 (average age 51), 79.2% (7,945 people) answered that they do not exercise at all. 7.2% (726 people) responded that they were ‘weekend warriors’ who exercised once or twice a week, and 13.6% (1,362 people) responded that they exercised more regularly (three or more times a week).
In the second survey, cognitive impairment and dementia were assessed. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was screened using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). MCI is a pre-dementia stage.
As a result, 26% of those who said they did not exercise in the first survey were found to have MCI. On the other hand, 14% of weekend warriors and 18.5% of regular exercise types met the MCI criteria.
In an additional analysis that took into account factors such as age, gender, education level, income, smoking status, and body mass index, the weekend warrior group had a 25% lower risk of MCI compared to those who did not exercise, and those who exercised regularly had an 11% lower risk of MCI.
Researchers estimated that middle-aged adults could reduce their risk of MCI by 13% if they exercised more than once or twice a week.
Professor O’Donovan said it was not clear why weekend warriors had a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment compared to those who exercised more regularly. He said that this may be due to the nature of the research method, and that it has limitations as it is an observational study rather than a clinical trial. In other words, this study does not prove that exercise actually affects the risk of cognitive decline.
Nonetheless, the results of this study are important for people trying to reduce their risk factors for dementia.
Prior to this, Chinese researchers also reported in an international academic journal that meeting the recommended weekly physical activity of 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity activity per week was effective in reducing dementia by 23%, stroke by 13%, Parkinson’s disease by 49%, depression by 26%, and anxiety by 28%. It was published in ‘Nature Agigne’.
Dr. Shaan Khurshid, a cardiologist at the Demulas Cardiac Arrhythmia Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States, who recently published a paper showing that weekend binge-watching is associated with a reduced risk of more than 200 diseases, said the study results were “intensive.” “There is growing evidence that physical activity is linked to beneficial health outcomes, and this study adds cognitive impairment to that list,” he told the Guardian.
He emphasized that previous studies have shown that the most important factor in lowering disease risk is the total amount of exercise, not the exercise pattern. He explained that even if you do it on weekends, you must meet the standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or more than 75 minutes of high-intensity physical activity per week.
Park Hae-sik, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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The article discusses a study examining the relationship between exercise habits and the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia. The findings indicate that there are different levels of exercise among participants, categorized into three groups: those who do not exercise at all, “weekend warriors” who exercise once or twice a week, and regular exercisers who maintain a regimen of three or more times a week.
Key points from the study include:
- Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI):
- 26% of participants who do not exercise have been found to have MCI.
– The weekend warriors show a 14% rate of MCI.
- Regular exercisers have an 18.5% rate of MCI.
- Risk Reduction:
– The weekend warrior group has a 25% lower risk of developing MCI compared to non-exercisers.
– Regular exercise has been associated with an 11% lower risk of MCI.
- Middle-aged adults could reduce their risk of MCI by 13% with exercise more than once or twice a week.
- Study Limitations:
– The observations are based on an observational study, which does not confirm a causal relationship between exercise and cognitive health.
- Exercise Recommendations:
– Previous research supports engaging in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to lower the risk of various health conditions including dementia.
- Expert Commentary:
– Dr. Shaan Khurshid contributed insights affirming the positive connection between physical activity and health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of meeting exercise guidelines set by the World Health Organization.
the study encourages individuals to incorporate more physical activity into their routines as a strategy to potentially mitigate the risks associated with cognitive decline.
A 30% lower risk of MCI when compared to those who do not engage in any physical activity.
3. Recommendations for Physical Activity:
– The study advocates for increased physical activity among individuals, suggesting that even modest exercise routines can significantly impact cognitive health.
– It emphasizes the importance of consistency over intensity, highlighting that regular, moderate exercise can be beneficial for brain health.
4. Implication for Public Health:
– These findings can inform public health initiatives aimed at promoting exercise as a way to potentially mitigate the risks associated with cognitive decline.
– Raising awareness about the benefits of physical activity may encourage more individuals to incorporate exercise into their daily lives, thereby improving overall cognitive well-being.
the study underscores the positive correlation between regular exercise and a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment. By targeting various levels of exercise, individuals may take proactive steps towards maintaining cognitive health as they age. Encouraging diverse forms of physical activity should be a priority in health recommendations for older adults.